Top 10 of 2012: No. 1 ATSU breaks ground, changes leadership

The approval of the new ATSU dental school to its changeover in administration make the No. 1 local story of 2012

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Kirksville Daily Express - Kirksville, MO

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Posted Dec. 31, 2012 at 12:01 AM

Posted Dec. 31, 2012 at 12:01 AM

Kirksville

Groundbreaking

A.T. Still University and the Kirksville community celebrated a groundbreaking on the Missouri School of Dentistry & Oral Health building in March. The community event sought members of the public to bring shovels for a symbolic earth moving to continue the unified effort that brought the new school to Kirksville. The $26 million building is scheduled to be completed in 2013, in time for the first class.

Gov. Jay Nixon made the trip north for the event, crediting ATSU President Dr. Jack Magruder for his efforts.

Magruder called the day one of the happiest in his life.

Meet the new boss

The groundbreaking also brought about introductions to the university’s new leader, with Dr. Craig Phelps succeeding the retiring Magruder. During a press conference, Dr. Phelps, a KCOM graduate, said the university’s “main campus” would stay in Kirksville.

“During my watch, this will always be the main campus, where things happen for A.T. Still University,” he said. “This is heritage.”

Dr. Chris Halliday, former Chief of Staff to U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Regina Benjamin, was introduced as the first dean of MOSDOH

A fond farewell

With hundreds in attendance on a late June afternoon, the community said thank you and farewell to Magruder and his wife, Sue. The ceremony included speeches from various dignitaries and a pre-recorded message from Gov. Nixon. Both Magruder and his wife received president emeritus and first lady emerita statuses, respectively.

In his final remarks at the event, Magruder credited the students of ATSU who learn in Kirksville and go forth to care for people and make the world a better place.